MONTPELIER — A free public forum on fraud is being held today with the Vermont attorney general’s office, co-sponsored by AARP. It will be at the Capitol Plaza in the Ethan Allen Room at 10 a.m.

“Vermont consumers are losing thousands of dollars every week to various kinds of consumer fraud,” according to AARP. “People over 50 are especially vulnerable and account for more than half of all victims. ...Whether it’s bogus investment deals, the grandparent scam, email ploys, lottery scams, or the newest ID theft scheme, sophisticated con artists are busy at work coming up with new ways to get you to hand over your hard-earned money.”

Attendees can contact organizers at 877-926-8300. Presentations will include tips, materials and information on the latest scams and how to protect yourself from being the next victim.